old - Fazer Owners Club - old
General => General => Topic started by: adeejaysdelight on 04 October 2014, 05:27:55 pm
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I am getting back in to my hill climbing and mountain climbing. I used to be a keen walker and climber in my "yoof", having climbed mountains in Scotland, Germany, Austria, Italy, Spain and Australia, but fell away from it due to work, health and life...
But recently I have rekindled my love of the wilderness and have managed to climb about 10 mountains in the last couple of months. About half of these have been Munro's, the rest being Corbetts.
I got out on Thursday with a workmate, who is aiming for 100 Munro's. We climbed 3, and passed over 2 Corbett's on the way.
Are any of you other foccers climbers or walkers?
If so, lets see your pictures.
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Above is the Cobbler.
Below is Ben Ghlas, Ben Lawers and An Stuc.
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And a few more of the three is a day climb.
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Wow, I would love to do that! Can you get to all of the peaks just by walking or do you need to actually climb with ropes and climbing equipment? First photos are awesome.
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Adee, this subject is right up my
street hill!
And a bit of a coincidence that you should ask, as I'm hoping to move up near the Lake District sometime next year so I can get walking on those fells again.
I've done a number of long-distance walks, including 2 on the south west coast path, the Essex Way, and south to north across Wales, starting with the Wye Valley Walk, and including climbs of Cadair Idris and Snowdon.
But my best one so far was 2 months spent walking the fells of the Lake District, from mid April to mid June in 2012. I used a couple of commercial campsites as bases; one near Keswick, and the other in Great Langdale. I'd kit up for 3 to 4 days camping in the hills, and then return to one of the bases to clean up and re-stock. I also spent a few nights camping in some woods near Keswick to make my money go a little further. Best two months of my life!
A few shots I took during that great time:
First walk was up the Newlands Valley and over the shoulder at Dale Head, to descend again into Borrowdale; took this one on the way down:
(http://i1291.photobucket.com/albums/b550/nicknicklxs/DSCF1272_zpsa9e95bcf.jpg) (http://s1291.photobucket.com/user/nicknicklxs/media/DSCF1272_zpsa9e95bcf.jpg.html)
Second walk I did was to the top of Catbells and up onto Maiden Moor; this shot climbing up above Catbells looking back:
(http://i1291.photobucket.com/albums/b550/nicknicklxs/DSCF1351_zpsfa38240b.jpg) (http://s1291.photobucket.com/user/nicknicklxs/media/DSCF1351_zpsfa38240b.jpg.html)
From Grasmere up Easedale, above Easedale Tarn, on the way up to Blea Rigg:
(http://i1291.photobucket.com/albums/b550/nicknicklxs/DSCF1579_zps69ab8fe3.jpg) (http://s1291.photobucket.com/user/nicknicklxs/media/DSCF1579_zps69ab8fe3.jpg.html)
Camped by Stickle Tarn up on the Langdale Pikes:
(http://i1291.photobucket.com/albums/b550/nicknicklxs/DSCF1604_zps08f4bf0d.jpg) (http://s1291.photobucket.com/user/nicknicklxs/media/DSCF1604_zps08f4bf0d.jpg.html)
From the top of Bow Fell:
(http://i1291.photobucket.com/albums/b550/nicknicklxs/DSCF1681_zps51462dcb.jpg) (http://s1291.photobucket.com/user/nicknicklxs/media/DSCF1681_zps51462dcb.jpg.html)
Spot the tent! Late evening near Greenup Edge:
(http://i1291.photobucket.com/albums/b550/nicknicklxs/DSCF1764_zps59829844.jpg) (http://s1291.photobucket.com/user/nicknicklxs/media/DSCF1764_zps59829844.jpg.html)
Next day up on Greenup, I think the view is of Bow Fell:
(http://i1291.photobucket.com/albums/b550/nicknicklxs/DSCF1783_zps25418a30.jpg) (http://s1291.photobucket.com/user/nicknicklxs/media/DSCF1783_zps25418a30.jpg.html)
This time camped by Sprinkling Tarn, a view of Great Gable:
(http://i1291.photobucket.com/albums/b550/nicknicklxs/DSCF1838_zps0d54fb4f.jpg) (http://s1291.photobucket.com/user/nicknicklxs/media/DSCF1838_zps0d54fb4f.jpg.html)
Climbing up Grasmoor, a view of Scafell, Great Gable etc:
(http://i1291.photobucket.com/albums/b550/nicknicklxs/DSCF3031_zps3428a6d8.jpg) (http://s1291.photobucket.com/user/nicknicklxs/media/DSCF3031_zps3428a6d8.jpg.html)
I took something like 2000 photos in those two months - desperately need to get back up there!
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Looks awesome up there, unfortunlaty my knees would not get me up there,,i guess it would be the husqvarna for me :)
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Only a few weeks ago I did Helvellyn (from Patterdale) crossing Striding Edge. Would not recommend that route in bad weather though, but lucky for me it was superb. Still waiting for my brother to email me the pics of that from his camera.
Last year we did Scafell Pike. Remarkably busy up there so not easy to get photos without other people in the shot!
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Yamazer, you can make it as easy (sh) or hard as you like, and as your skill set allows. The first pictures are Ben Arthur, known as the cobbler because there are 2 peaks that look like a hook and an anvil. The anvil is the flat square rock with the hole through it. To ascend the true summit you must "thread the needle". A daunting, awkward climb through a small gap with a 45-50 foot drop on one side and a 300 foot drop on the other. The very first picture of me is a selfie on the 300 foot ledge! No ropes, harness or equipment. Just my hydropac, music and a tight grip with the right hand as the left snaps away. Smiling was to big an ask :lol .
The second lot of pictures of Ben Ghlas, Ben Lawers and An Stuc is a good day out. 5 Munro's can be walked in a day. No climbing equipment is required, other than good outdoor gear that is. There was some climbing involved as we decended in the wrong direction (due to my mates terrible navigation skills and lack of listening to me). We made our way down about 800 feet of scree and non-vertical cliff in dense fog. It made for some great pictures though, and a good story. The climb up was safe, as long as you can climb. Just don't look down.
Ben Nevis is a good example of this. There is a South facing pony track, which is a long ass walk, but fairly safe. But the North face is for experienced mountaineers only. If you Google both of these you will see what I mean.
Nick, that looks beautiful. I went to the lakes back in March. Just for a bike tour, but I fancy climbing some of those hills sometime. I enjoy walking as much as climbing and one of my mates (from Preston) knows that area pretty well. He has been trying to get me out with him for a while now. I think I'll take him up on it after seeing your pictures.
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Few more of Scafell Pike:
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Knees. Aye I've had bother with them. But seem to be doing alright(ish) knee wise now. But I now seem to have some hip issue, hopefully it's a muscle or tissue issue, but I've been stuck with it for months, so out of action as far as the hills are concerned. I do hope to get back to it, fingers crossed, and the sooner the better too. Here's hoping.
Meanwhile a few snaps,
Stob Coire Bhealaich looking back down into Glen Nevis
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7374/10596587804_398022eed0_z.jpg)
On the Buachaille Etive Mor ridge looking over at Stob Coire Raineach (Buachaille Etive Beag)
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3778/8906093616_3fb3a86416_z.jpg)
On Beinn a'Chochuill heading towards Beinn Eunaich
(https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8379/8501971856_9dffec8cde_z.jpg)
A'Mharconaich
(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2909/14010343075_fa50e718b6_z.jpg)
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I'm going up there next weekend with 3 other guys from work. Staying in Keswick youth hostel. They know the walks better than me so I'm a bit at their mercy. I know we're doing Catbells on Sat, and the whole walk will be about 8 hours! I've been up Scafell Pike before though and done the Yorkshire 3 peaks, which I'd like to repeat one day.
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Andy, your photos are stunning as always! :thumbup
I did Scafell, and forgot my camera :'(
Yes, I have some knee problems too. Damaged ligaments and tendons on my right knee, and occasionally some twinges on the left, where it's been carrying for the right one for so long. But I find if I get in the practice of hill walking, and build up those muscles gently, I tend to be fine. But it's a while since I did any serious walks(that 2012 Lakes trip), so I'm just praying that I can build the hill fitness again.
Good luck with the hip Andy.
In the Lakes, I started with easy walks, and just gradually worked up to more strenuous stuff. By the end of two months, I could virtually run up the hills :)
Did some minor scrambling with a bit of exposure, but I'm no climber! Corridor route on Scafell was good in that respect, but would present a different aspect altogether in winter I reckon :eek
My Catbells walk was probably not far off an 8 hour day. Started with the ferry across Derwent Water from Keswick. Then up Catbells, continued on over Maiden Moor and down to a little tarn by Dale Head, finishing with a descent to Rosthwaite. Then a bus back to Keswick. I found the buses excellent for when you just want to do a single day's walking, so you don't have to get back to exactly where you start from.
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Scafell Pike looks beautiful. I had a look at the website. It's quite funny. Why would you brave the weather... and the picture is a beautiful summers day :lol . I'm Scottish though, so anything over 10 degrees and no rain is a nice day! I thought it was nice on Thursday when we climbed An Stuc. Until we got into the clouds. The scenery is fantastic though.
Etive Mor is on the to do list. I am thinking next spring as the nights are fair drawing in now. I don't want caught up there. Its pretty exposed. One of the most beautiful and recognizable mountains in Scotland. Any tips for climbing it?
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Yup you gotta factor in the shorter days.
But having said that even in December and January there are plenty of hills that you can tackle during daylight hours.
Think of smaller hills too, like Grahams or sub 2000 hills.
Obviously you need to think carefully as we move into winter. But there is still plenty of big hill walking with a little thought and preparation.
Etive Mor is a straight forward ridge walk in summer. In winter, once it's collected a bit of snow, well the easy approach and exit that I know and that most folks will use are avalanche black spots. Best left to the mountaineers in winter.
And if you haven't already, check out what I think is the best Scottish hill walking web site - http://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/ (http://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/)
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I use that site myself. Its great, but I don't follow it step by step. I read it, then choose the path I feel like on the day. Its more of a suggested day out site for me, than a guide up the mountain. Do you not find the times way out? As in overestimated?
As to the shorter days. Its not just the climbing, but the travel to the mountain too. I will probably just go mountain biking in the winter, as I usually do. I can't do that all day anyway. I simply don't have the stamana. 4 hours on my 29er and I'm rubber.
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So what do you guys do about getting to the start of your walk? I'm trying to find a place in Cumbria, but won't be able to afford a house slap bang in the Lake District, so hopefully can get on a good bus route in somewhere. I wouldn't mind parking the car somewhere for a day walk, but what when you do longer and camp out overnight? I guess it's probably a bit emptier/safer up in the Highlands for leaving your car?
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Yeah there are the walkhighlands routes, which are often good.
Yup check the maps and pick your own route.
But also the 'walk reports' (best accessed through the hill lists I think) that throw up a wide variety of routes that the sites users have chosen.
Lots of info on the forum to, and articles on gear and winter walking etc.
Yup the travelling. I nearly always walk solo. Loads of folks keep telling me how dodgy that is, but I keep pointing out the most dangerous bit is getting there and back, ie the driving. Aye in winter that means in the dark, and sometimes wee surprises.
Times? They are usually about right for me on that site, mainly cos I'm taking photos all over the shop, plus I like to hang about on summits if it's a nice day. But yeah, if you are fit and keep moving you can waste those times. Cameron McNeish's times are probably a better guide for those pressing on.
Anyway I'm just dreaming of getting back to it. At the moment I dunno when, I'm just hoping I will be able to.
Stob Dubh - Buachaille Etive Beag, looking down into Glen Etive
(https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8487/8233951279_9afb34cc6d_z.jpg)
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I also climbed Skiddaw last year. That's the one you can see in the far background of Nick's 2nd picture. My old man even managed to reach the summit. Not bad for a 79 year old! Just about killed him though...
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Haven't done Skiddaw yet. It overlooked the Keswick campsite, along with Blencathra for most of my trip. And, yep, not done Blencathra either! So many routes in the Lakes region to do. I didn't do Helvellyn or any of that high ridge for example. Lots of exploring to do in the Derwent Fells too. A lifetime of walking to be had up there. Towards the end of my trip, I was starting to get a good sense of the areas I did do, and could guess where most of the paths would take me.
Tops I reached:
Scafell
Bow Fell
Harrison Stickle (Langdale Pikes).
Catbells
Maiden Moor
Eel Crags
Grasmoor
Whiteless Pike
Haystacks
Red Pike
Robinson
High Raise
Ullscarf
and a few more minor hills and ridges along the way.
Red Pike was a bugger. Near the top, ascending from the Buttermere side, there's a bit where it goes steep on small, loose scree, and for every step up, you slide about 3 back again. It felt like if you weren't careful, you'd start sliding, then tumbling all the way to the bottom :eek Then when I got to the top, I took a peek over an edge and could only see a grey-out, but got a sense it wouldn't be wise to step out that way :lol
Grasmoor was my best day I think. Started from Buttermere, up Whiteless Pike:
(http://i1291.photobucket.com/albums/b550/nicknicklxs/DSCF2959_zpsc0eee389.jpg) (http://s1291.photobucket.com/user/nicknicklxs/media/DSCF2959_zpsc0eee389.jpg.html)
And up there is where I'm headed:
(http://i1291.photobucket.com/albums/b550/nicknicklxs/DSCF2957_zpsfd5fdecf.jpg) (http://s1291.photobucket.com/user/nicknicklxs/media/DSCF2957_zpsfd5fdecf.jpg.html)
View from the top:
(http://i1291.photobucket.com/albums/b550/nicknicklxs/DSCF3003_zps36bbb8e0.jpg) (http://s1291.photobucket.com/user/nicknicklxs/media/DSCF3003_zps36bbb8e0.jpg.html)
Conditions were brilliant. Warm but breezy. A little hazy, but I think that added atmosphere to the pics. Could see almost all the way to the west coast, and could make out all the major hills of virtually the entire Lakes region. Met about 2 people along the whole way (some of the popular routes can literally have queues on them in summer).
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To be honest Nick, I have never even given a thought to leaving my car behind. I camped the night before I climbed Nevis. My mate and I spotted a good sight over a river and railway about a half mile from the road. So I parked and we got the gear out. We decided to do two runs instead of breaking our backs. I ended up leaving the key in the car overnight. It was a beautiful Mx5 and I did not even consider going back to get the key when I realised.
Scotland is far more remote that anywhere in England. The population is only 5 million, and the land mass is over 3/5ths of that of England, which has a population of over 53 million. Its apples and pears.
I really noticed this when I did my tour of the lakes in the spring. There were roads everywhere. Road junction, town, village, junction, 7 miles of road and then the same again. When you look at a map of Scotland, up in the hee'lins, the villages are big distances apart and the road between them is "the" road. That's it. Its very easy to feel detached from civilization. I love that. There are parts of Scotland closer to the Arctic than they are London. It may be a small country, but it does not always feel that way when your out there on your lonesome.
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Rikki your old boy 79 and still hill walking! Way to go.
adeejaysdelight, it's so much more accessible than it used to be though. Some of our main routes may still be lacking in a modern sense, but then much of it used to be single track roads when I was a kid. Took ages to get anywhere.
The hills are busy too. In the 70's very few people has done all the Munros. I've lost count of how many folks I've met who have done the lot! If I get back to it, (fingers crossed etc) I'd like do more Corbetts and Grahams. In some ways more of a challange, much less likely to find a path and much much increased chance of not seeing a single sole all day.
I'm not a camper. But a few times when I've been out walking, and not left a route with anybody, I've left a note on the car seat stating where I was going and when I would be back, just in case.
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I used to leave a note, but now I have a fiancee who expects me home and a GPs giving off a signal all the time, with SOS on standby. I hope I never need it mind.
God, us bikers sure like to risk everything for a day out. I think I'll just take up extreme couponing! Mind you, them sissors :lol
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ive done some fell walking in the lakes,my favorite was the high street ( stupid name for a mountain in my opinion ),you park at the car park at haweswater and follow the map,great walk,you can come back down the parallel peak and back to the car. also did the walk in the opposie valley from the same car park,the name escapes me now.
climed scarfell pike but took a longer,off the beaten track route as recomended by a girl in a hiking shop,was much better than the 'motorway' route that all the bloody tourists use !! :lol
attempted to do the cobbler when in scotland,but the mist beat us, enjoyed the 2 hours we managed though. sadly split with the mrs just after that and ive never got back up to the lakes/scotland since. one day though......
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climed scarfell pike but took a longer,off the beaten track route as recomended by a girl in a hiking shop,was much better than the 'motorway' route that all the bloody tourists use !! :lol
All the well known peaks have that problem, don't they? Long, boring slogs to the top. Snowdon is the same. All up by the pony track, or whatever it's called. All down again by the Miner's Track.
I took the Rhyd Ddu path up, and saw maybe 3 people on the way up. Got to the summit, and it was crowded! They were all heading down the Miner's Track in a big long queue - if that's the way it had to be in the hills, I wouldn't bother. I took the Pyg Track down, all on my lonesome. It stays high for longer than the Miner's Track, with fantastic views down the Llanberis Pass. Got down to the crowds again at Pen y Pass :rolleyes but the best bits had been quiet, so could forgive that.
The Corridor Route on Scafell was another one that was quiet when I did it. And again, lots of folks on the summit when I got there. A good reason to camp in the hills and get an early start to beat the crowds.
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attempted to do the cobbler when in scotland,but the mist beat us, enjoyed the 2 hours we managed though. sadly split with the mrs just after that and ive never got back up to the lakes/scotland since. one day though......
2 hours and you never reached the top!!! You must have been stopping to paint the landscape or something (we'll blame the woman, shall we) :lol . The weather is an acquired taste, I have to admit. Living here though, you have no choice. If you waited for the rain to pass before doing anything, you would never do anything at all. I just go out in it and dress appropriately.
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I was half expecting to see a football match at the top of Scafell Pike! Not sure if I'll be going back there now it's been ticked off the list, as there are too many others to see first. I've hardly done any of the ones on Nick's list.
Won't be rushing back to the Highlands any time soon either. I went on a camping trip there in the late 90's. I say camping but it was more like SAS survival training. Imagine trying to bash tent pegs into solid rock, while someone blasts you in the face with a pressure washer. I much prefer to get a tan in the hills!
By the way next time anyone passes through Buttermere, be sure to stop for a beer at the Fish Inn. Best pint in the land IMO. Goes down nicely after a days climbing!
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Was up Scafell Pike some time in the mid 90's
Hardly saw anybody on the way up, but yup it was busy on the summit.
Been far too warm for my liking in Scotland this summer Rikki.
Walked Beinn a'Chroin and An Caisteal last year near Crianlarich, didn't see a single person, just a Raven that followed me for several hours. They can get quiet curious when you are by yourself. I was worried it was waiting for me to slip and fall on the wee scramble between the two hills.
A wee selfie on An Caisteal,
(https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8507/8554237183_ac300d730c_z.jpg)
There's loads of walking where you won't see a sole all day in Scotland.
Lots of good wee hills too.
This is Eabhal on North Uist, only just over 1100 feet I think, but what a view.
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5538/10411141096_1231760b0f_z.jpg)
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Ha, I don't tan anyway! I lived in Australia in my early 20's. Came back as white as the screen in front of you now :lol . Although, that was still a few shades up the dulux chart from when I arrived.
That is an impressive view VNA. I like being out there on my own. I was up Ben Lomond once and an Eagle flew by no more than 50 feet away, in the valley to the East of the mountain. It was spectacular. Just me, him and my mate.
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Adee and others. Some cracking pics there.
Did a but of this myself pre my daughter. Mostly on holiday but I've done the three highest in the UK. A few volcanos :eek Soufrière in Monserrat (before that went bang), Mt Liamuigi St.Kitts, Vesuvius, Mt. Enta. Ibiza, Gran Caneria... That was a hot climb in the sun and got blistered to buggery. A few other small peaks. Col d'Aspin in the Pyranees.
I love the views, like being on top of the world.
I'm trying to get my daughter in to it now on holiday and have done a few up hill walks in the Brecon Beacons.
This was her first hill but I had to give her a shoulder ride up the last half. Once up there, though not very high, she was very excited at the views. She counts this small climb as a mountain :lol Bless.
PS Please note the sensible footwear! Her walking boot were in my rucksak ;)
Llangorse
(http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s85/adthebad/LlanGorse3copy.jpg) (http://s150.photobucket.com/user/adthebad/media/LlanGorse3copy.jpg.html)
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Beautiful picture Kartman. I'm not letting you count Ibiza as a mountain though ;) . I'm just back from there. The highest peak is 485 meters. Walking to the co-op is more of a climb for me :lol .
Some of those volcanoes sound great though. The only volcano I have climbed is Mount Ngungun in Queensland, Australia. Its been dormant for a wee while though.
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Ibiza :lol
I'll have look out for some other pics when I get an odd hour.
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I've done 22 Munroe's in my time....before I got married....happy days they were....not so foccin happy now
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I managed Ben Vorlich, the little hills and Stob Na Coinnich Bhacain today. I was (miss)informed that there was no direct path up Ben Vorlich, so I took the direct route. I was absolutely shitting it. About an hour up a very steep climb (apparently 45%) I stopped to catch my breath and have a look at the helicopter flying very close by, and for the first time I got a look at where I was. It was quite terrifying, as I am scared of heights. There were cliff walls I made my way around, but obviously as I had to move along the mountain, so I was sitting just above one. The drop was phenomenal, and the roll after would not have been pleasant. Then some arsehole PPI mob called me :lol . It eased my nerves a bit and I moved on.
It took me 3 and a half hours to get up the convoluted route I took. I did however find a path just before the summit and made a mental note for my return leg, which took an hour down the mountain and another hour down the road. Just as well I found the path or that helicopter might have had to come back.
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A few more
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Now you did have a map, didn't you?
Also if you are on walkhighlands you can zoom into get 1:25000. Bing maps is even better, full OS maps at 1:50000 and zoom into 1:25000. If you huvnae got the OS map just print out what you need.
There are lots of ways you get up Ben Vorlich. The most popular way up by the looks of things is just short of where you chose to go up. It's marked Lag Dubh on the map, and you can see it's not quite as steep and there's nae crags in the way.
A lot if folks head up from Ardlui as well.
Fine views from up there though - eh?
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4004/4653731450_ea6ec4fc83_z.jpg)
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This Is What It's All About!
Thought you might be interested in a typical 2 night wild camping walk from my 2 month Lake District trip.
Started at "base camp" near Keswick:
(http://i1291.photobucket.com/albums/b550/nicknicklxs/DSCF1200_zps532446d5.jpg) (http://s1291.photobucket.com/user/nicknicklxs/media/DSCF1200_zps532446d5.jpg.html)
The smaller thing was an attempt at a simple bivi shelter, cut from an old tent. It didn't get used beyond this set up :lol
Great views from this camp site though.
(http://i1291.photobucket.com/albums/b550/nicknicklxs/DSCF1224_zpsc163eef7.jpg) (http://s1291.photobucket.com/user/nicknicklxs/media/DSCF1224_zpsc163eef7.jpg.html)
The walk started along the foot of Walla and Falcon Crags:
(http://i1291.photobucket.com/albums/b550/nicknicklxs/DSCF1722_zpsd0207a36.jpg) (http://s1291.photobucket.com/user/nicknicklxs/media/DSCF1722_zpsd0207a36.jpg.html)
And on to Ashness Bridge:
(http://i1291.photobucket.com/albums/b550/nicknicklxs/DSCF1311_zps411b113a.jpg) (http://s1291.photobucket.com/user/nicknicklxs/media/DSCF1311_zps411b113a.jpg.html)
And view back to Skiddaw:
(http://i1291.photobucket.com/albums/b550/nicknicklxs/DSCF1312_zps620f3797.jpg) (http://s1291.photobucket.com/user/nicknicklxs/media/DSCF1312_zps620f3797.jpg.html)
From there, it was on to Watendlath, and then the climb up to Greenup Edge, past Blea Tarn:
(http://i1291.photobucket.com/albums/b550/nicknicklxs/DSCF1746_zps7f450299.jpg) (http://s1291.photobucket.com/user/nicknicklxs/media/DSCF1746_zps7f450299.jpg.html)
It got really boggy here, and I shipped a couple of bootfulls. A tiring slog with full kit on my back, plus 2 days worth of food.
Helvellyn from atop Greenup Edge:
(http://i1291.photobucket.com/albums/b550/nicknicklxs/DSCF1752_zps220335c2.jpg) (http://s1291.photobucket.com/user/nicknicklxs/media/DSCF1752_zps220335c2.jpg.html)
So evening was drawing on, and I'm getting really tired. Then I lost the path and wanted to find a place to stop for the night. Wandered over to the right; nope, only steep drops to the valley below. Ok, stop & think. This was where the mountain navigation course I'd done the previous weekend came in handy. Managed to identify where I was on the map, and used contours and features to pinpoint a likely place for camp. It showed some flat-ish areas, and a stream, so I'd have a water source for brews and cooking. Walked on a compass bearing and amazed myself when I hit on almost exactly the point I'd chosen! :lol
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Evening camp that night:
(http://i1291.photobucket.com/albums/b550/nicknicklxs/DSCF1758_zps757df750.jpg) (http://s1291.photobucket.com/user/nicknicklxs/media/DSCF1758_zps757df750.jpg.html)
Woke up to a beautiful morning; yes indeed, this is what it's all about!:
(http://i1291.photobucket.com/albums/b550/nicknicklxs/DSCF1762_zpsa40d8d26.jpg) (http://s1291.photobucket.com/user/nicknicklxs/media/DSCF1762_zpsa40d8d26.jpg.html)
Set out, continuing along Greenup:
(http://i1291.photobucket.com/albums/b550/nicknicklxs/DSCF1773_zpsa964a4a3.jpg) (http://s1291.photobucket.com/user/nicknicklxs/media/DSCF1773_zpsa964a4a3.jpg.html)
...to the top of High Raise:
(http://i1291.photobucket.com/albums/b550/nicknicklxs/DSCF1778_zpsfec0870d.jpg) (http://s1291.photobucket.com/user/nicknicklxs/media/DSCF1778_zpsfec0870d.jpg.html)
Next destination was the Langdale Pikes:
(http://i1291.photobucket.com/albums/b550/nicknicklxs/DSCF1789_zpsa9f10050.jpg) (http://s1291.photobucket.com/user/nicknicklxs/media/DSCF1789_zpsa9f10050.jpg.html)
View of Great Langdale from the top of Harrison Stickle, highest point on the Pikes:
(http://i1291.photobucket.com/albums/b550/nicknicklxs/DSCF1794_zps8fa29d0d.jpg) (http://s1291.photobucket.com/user/nicknicklxs/media/DSCF1794_zps8fa29d0d.jpg.html)
Now heading down to Stickle Tarn, that night's camp site:
(http://i1291.photobucket.com/albums/b550/nicknicklxs/DSCF1800_zps3836e52a.jpg) (http://s1291.photobucket.com/user/nicknicklxs/media/DSCF1800_zps3836e52a.jpg.html)
Did a bit of evening scrambling; once again, spot the tent:
(http://i1291.photobucket.com/albums/b550/nicknicklxs/DSCF1802_zps00c41a0c.jpg) (http://s1291.photobucket.com/user/nicknicklxs/media/DSCF1802_zps00c41a0c.jpg.html)
And a last bit of evening sunshine on the crags, before turning in for the night:
(http://i1291.photobucket.com/albums/b550/nicknicklxs/DSCF1812_zpsbdaef499.jpg) (http://s1291.photobucket.com/user/nicknicklxs/media/DSCF1812_zpsbdaef499.jpg.html)
This is why I want to move up to Cumbria! :)
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It is very beautiful Nick. Very beautiful indeed. I can certainly see why you may want to move there. Don't go to the Austrian Alps, whatever you do. You'll be in lederhosen before you can say wunderbar.
Unfortunately your overnight wild campsite choice would only work in the winter here. Having water nearby is sure handy, the midge's would definitely agree!!! :lol
I am heading out on Saturday with my mate to tackle Ben Ime and Ben Vane. The weather is looking awful, which is nice. It adds to the challenge (although detracts from the photography).
Keep them pictures comming :)
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Have a good one Adee, go careful mate.
I'll see if I can put another little trip in pictures together at a later date.
Funny thing is, you do get midgies in the Lake District too. But I never had a problem in the hills, even on a still, warm evening. But I got eaten alive on my last morning at the campsite in Keswick; little buggers were waiting for me outside the tent first thing to say goodbye as I packed up for the last time! :lol And no bloody open water there either :\
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little buggers were waiting for me outside the tent first thing to say goodbye as I packed up for the last time! :lol
:rollin :rollin :rollin
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That's proper walking Nick!
As for figuring out where I am on a map, well I cheat these days, I use a Satmap loaded with full UK 1:50000 mapping. I still carry the paper map and a compass. The Satmap tells me where I am, the paper and compass tell me where to go next.
addeejay, Ime is usually done with Narnain and The Cobbler, but yeah plenty of folks, well the really keen ones, will combine Ime with Vane but bear in mind it will quite possibly be rough walking. It's also a fair drop between the two.
Also it looks as if the cloud will be down on Saturday, so you'll need nifty navigation to avoid the steep bits and hitting crags etc between those two peaks.
Have fun.
Ben Vane;
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3338/4629463521_bb8b273a1d_z.jpg)
Beinn Ime
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5179/5541255632_1123f98029_z.jpg)
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I had a wee day out myself yesterday and climbed Ben More. It was raining when I started, but soon ended up, by far, the worst conditions I have ever faced on a mountain. The wind was so strong that I was getting blown over every time I lifted a foot to take a step. I went on my arse a few times. I was absolutely soaking wet. Never been so wet in my puff. I found myself wandering back down the mountain after ten minutes at the summit (that was enough, have a look at the video). Turns out I got completely disoriented and ended up walking round to the wrong side of the mountain. It was only because the clouds cleared for a few seconds to reveal Stob Binnein in the distance that I knew I was way off track. The map was useless up there (45+mph wind anyone). So I took a breath and headed back to the summit. I re-pointed myself from there and eventually found the faint trail. It took ages to get down too, as the water was starting to make its way off the mountain. So what had been walkable in the morning was not a stream or bog.
Well, that is another one climbed this year. I might retire at that... till the spring.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qaSWmWqXG7w (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qaSWmWqXG7w)
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Sounds like you had fun DJ.
I think it's worth finding out where your limits lie weather wise. You need to be wary of summit fever too, and very much so as we move into winter.
I crawled the last couple of 100 feet up onto Conival a couple of years ago, madness. A bit of summit fever got hold of me that day. It did kind of work out as I knew I should get shelter across the ridge to Ben More Assynt, so I pressed on. And it did work out, it was like somebody switched the wind machine off as I dropped down onto the ridge between the two. Heading back, a good look at the map helped me determine that when heading back off Conival, once I'd left the madness of the summit plateaux if I dropped off the ridge to the west a tad I might get a little shelter from the NE winds. It worked treat. Though still left me with a scary approach to the down scramble of the bealach, so was back on my hands and knees for that wee bit.
Another thing I find with high winds is it renders my poles useless. So the wind and no poles makes taking a tumble much more likely. But yeah I leaned one of my weather limits that day. Was fun but not intention of trying such madness again.
Keep your map on the page you need in a map case. Your map should not be rendered useless under any circumstances (though yeah wee accidents do happen!) Get an Ortlieb one, they are worth the extra and will last much longer than the cheap ones. If you know where you are (like on the summit) you should always be able to head in roughly the right direction on a compass bearing. If the cloud is down keep an eye on that compass. If you get blown about, and dodge round a few rocks or whatever it's so easy to end up heading in the wrong direction.
One way of navigating when the cloud is down is time and direction.
I do like my GPS, it's pretty accurate and very reassuring tae ken exactly where you are. So with GPS, even in a white out, you can still take a compass bearing with reference to your map with very reasonable confidence. It may have saved my bacon a few times!
Should still be time for some more big, or biggish hills depending on the weather. But once there's been a few good falls of snow yeah you need to do a bit of thinking before you head to the hills and you would need to invest a bit more in kit.
Meanwhile I'm still stuffed. Just about managing not to loose all my fitness, but still got some sort of hip issue. I think it's a muscular issue. So following my physio's advice I'm gonna start my swimming regime tomorrow. How I hate swimming and bleedin swimming pools.
That's five months I've been struggling now. Gonna be gutted if I don't start making some decent progress soon. Winter hill walking can be absolutely magical. I only go on good weather days and when the snow should be stable and on straight forward routes, but always well kitted out for possible bad weather and carrying the usual axe and crampons should they be required.
Oh not been up Ben More yet. Nice one.
How did Beinn Ime go?
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Solid advice. Although in order to learn your limits, first you must pass them.
My map pocket was in the house, clearly not the best place for it. Waterproof/windproof gloves? In work. Waterproof trousers? In my bag. I put them on after I got soaked. Clean dry clothes to change in to? Loads of them at home, several hours away. That was the least prepared and worst conditioned mountain walk yet. I clearly was taken by summit fever. I knew it at the time. I sat and had my lunch at a small section that seemed to have the wind machine turned off, as you say. I got a text from my good lady asking how I was. I thought... The water is dripping from my phone and from the inside of my jacket and my waterproof socks had become little bacteria swimming pools. My middle toe on the right foot was shredded to bits. My exposed face was in pain and everything in me said - STOP. GO BACK AND DO THIS ANOTHER DAY. For reasons best known to my subconscious, I ignored my gut, which has served me well over the years, and continued. Almost at the expense of a looooonnnnnggggg night on a cold, wet mountain.
Lesson learned. I would have felt a right fanny if I had to spend a night up there. That would not have been fun. And yesterday was not any better, so it would have been the same again.
I might take my GPS as back up next time. Just in case.
Good luck with your swimming and recovery.
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I tend to keep most of my stuff in my walking bag ready to go.
A quick check before you head out the door is a good idea.
You did well without gloves! Bloody norra. Absolutely essential this time of year.
A lot of people carry two pairs of gloves in winter (and basically it's winter up them hills now). Losing a glove can be a disaster. Can be bloody painful too defrosting a paw.
It can though be invigorating going out in wild weather.
Anyway weather forecasts are pretty accurate these days. I start losing interest fast if it's less than 60% chance clear tops and 40mph winds or higher. Worth paying attention to the cloud base, smaller hills can be clear tops when the bigger hills are in the clouds. For me it's all about that view.
I think also if it's an iffy day and you still want to head out, bear in mind the further you drive to get to the bottom of the hill, ie the more effort you put in getting there the more likely hood you have of suffering a wee dose of summit fever.
Did you do Vane and Ime? Was wondering if you did how that went. My guess is that it could be hard going between those two.
Oh GPS. Mine is a Satmap. Had it for about 4 years now. You can do all sorts of stuff with it. But the main thing is that it has OS maps loaded and shows you exactly where you are on the OS map. I know loads of people tut tut about the use of GPS, but I feel I've improved my navigation with it. It's never let me down yet, but you've also got to bear in mind that electronic devices can decided to retire just when you need em most. Bear in mind the compass built into the GPS is pish. Also the GPS only shows you so much, I find I need to look at the map to get a feel of where I am and where to go next if I'm in the cloud. So map and compass is still essential.
Went to the pool this morning. It's hard work getting anywhere wi just yer legs! Made a start, so see how it goes. Desperate for some fine cold settled winter weather and a day in the hills.
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I For me it's all about that view.
but you've also got to bear in mind that electronic devices can decided to retire just when you need em most. Bear in mind the compass built into the GPS is pish. Also the GPS only shows you so much, I find I need to look at the map to get a feel of where I am and where to go next if I'm in the cloud. So map and compass is still essential.
Went to the pool this morning. It's hard work getting anywhere wi just yer legs! Made a start, so see how it goes. Desperate for some fine cold settled winter weather and a day in the hills.
It can be very dispiriting to put in all that effort only to find you can't see anything when you get up there! All that hard work needs some reward apart from just the fitness-building side of things I think.
Not keen on GPS etc for those very reasons you've stated Andy. I understand that they have their uses, but best to familiarise oneself with ordinary map and compass first, and always carry them at least as back up. But only being able to see a small part of the map at a time is the main reason I don't use them, and this goes for when I'm exploring on the bike too. I like to see my location in a broader context of the area I'm in at a glance. That I find important on a bike when you can cover a lot of ground very quickly, but I can also see how fiddling with a GPS/Satmap could be a problem in poor conditions in the hills. When your energy levels and concentration are taxed already by high winds, wet, and biting cold, having to move the display around on a tiny screen and trying to keep the bigger picture in your head is the last thing you need. Not to mention batteries can freeze too!
Sometimes those bad-weather experiences can come in handy though; help you to deal with them if encountered again, and not only in reminding you how important it is to have warm, waterproof clothes with you, even on the brightest of summer days.
Hope your recovery goes well Andy. Those cold, clear winter days can be the best ones; hot work climbing those hills!
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Cheers Nick.
I think my problem is muscular, at least I hope it is, hopefully just a matter of gently building strength (swimming) and doing all the stretches till things settle down. Hate swimming but I'll do anything to get back fit again.
I went for the GPS becuase I walk by myself. I guess I'm out for 4 reasons, the view, helps VNA stay sane, to take photos and exercise. It's the photos that screw up navigation, always stopping to take snaps. Also I don't want to care about time when I'm in the hills. Accurate navigation is all about time, distance direction. So I don't fit the rules, and frankly I don't care for 'the rules'.
Yes I need and use the map. Aye if the cloud is down I take my direction from the compass. But the GPS serves one essential function that a map cannot when the cloud is down or there is a white out. It tells me exactly where I am.
I've been lost before and didn't like it one bit.
You can also have your planned route superimposed on the map, so you can see where you are in relation to where you intended to be :lol
This is the GPS I use. Mine is the older lower res Active 10 version.
https://satmap.com/ (https://satmap.com/)
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Oh you can work that thing with gloved hands - no problem. No touch screen crap, buttons and a joystick thing you can work wi big gloves on. It automatically puts you in the centre of the screen (ie your position).
If you set the power setting up correctly it will run for days and days on one charge.
I use the rechargable li-on battery, but it will also run off AA Mi-Mh batteries and it runs pretty good on them too.
I take it wi me on days out on the bike too. Brilliant for finding those red phone boxes I have a thing about (I know I know I need help! :eek )
(https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8335/8078217655_87e79cb7e3_c.jpg)
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When I went out with my mate the other week we went to the area between Ben Narnain, Ben Ime and Ben Vane. I gave him the choice of which he preferred to climb. He chose Ben Narnain. Unfortunately we got to within 100 meters of the Trig-point and his vertigo kicked in big time. His legs basically gave out. I went on another 100 or so feet to check how close we were, whilst still having him in sight. I shouted over to him that I could see the trig point and that we were almost there. But he really could not continue. We sat for a bit, then (very slowly) began to make our way down. He said to me that I could go to the summit and pick him up on the way back. I declined and sat and had a fag with him instead.
I have been good friends with this guy for about 15 years. He introduced me to my wife to be. I really had no idea that he got the fear in that way. I also have vertigo, of sorts. But I also like to put myself in situations where I get the fear and push myself past it. I felt for him and he is determined to overcome this, and as his friend I will help him every step of the way. We will be back, and this time he knows what to expect.
As to Ben Ime and Ben Vane in a 'wanner, I will do that myself. It will require a reasonable level of fitness and some serious head down, heart rate up climbing if I am to achieve both summits in the short days of winter. I don't fancy another "episode" on the mountains. :lol
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here is a job advert that you mountain goats could enjoy,
you moving up there Nick ?
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2809085/You-ll-climb-mountain-job-Lake-District-weather-service-advertises-new-forecaster-climb-park-s-highest-peak-DAY-monitor-conditions.html (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2809085/You-ll-climb-mountain-job-Lake-District-weather-service-advertises-new-forecaster-climb-park-s-highest-peak-DAY-monitor-conditions.html)
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That sounds like a GREAT job. Its a shame the money is shite :rolleyes . Risk your life everyday for a take home pay of about £1500 a month. Hmmm...
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It does sound like a good job for a hill lover. I think the risks would be reduced by the fact that you would become very familiar with this particular hill, and that they are looking for someone with the right experience, after all. So that's me out. I'm not at all experienced in dealing with poor conditions, don't have any experience of using ice axe and crampons, no knowledge of assessing avalanche conditions, and have limited experience with map and compass. All my walks so far have been done in at least reasonable conditions.
But also, I'm always interested in doing new routes and getting different views - think you could get bored with doing the same hill day in, day out.
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That article is a bit of a mess.
This one is a wee bit better - http://www.theguardian.com/travel/2010/mar/18/lake-district-weatherman-helvellyn (http://www.theguardian.com/travel/2010/mar/18/lake-district-weatherman-helvellyn)
But I'm still not sure what it's all about. I can't help but think it's the English version of our Avalanche Information Service - http://www.sais.gov.uk/ (http://www.sais.gov.uk/)
Basically the Avalanche service dudes climb up to the same locations each day, yup they note the weather, note the behaviour of the snow and crucially dig big holes in the snow and check the snow pack. And they post their results online.
You gotta be a hardy bastard to do that. It'll have to be pretty extreme weather to stop those dudes from going out and doing their checks. Fantastic service though and we are very lucky to have it.
If I'm going out on the hill in winter the two sites I check are;
http://www.mwis.org.uk/home.asp (http://www.mwis.org.uk/home.asp) weather forecast
and The Avalanche site - http://www.sais.gov.uk/ (http://www.sais.gov.uk/)
I need good conditions on both or I'm generally not interested.
You gotta remember too that any slope that holds snow is a potential risk. People tend to think avalanches are big dramatic things, but the reality is a small amount of snow can slip and bury you. Or of course you can bounce off stuff as you slide downhill.
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I don't really go 'hiking' or 'mountain climbing' - I climb and boulder as a hobby, but normally that's as close as I get. If the opportunity comes around, I go and see some spectacular things though:
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10538513_10152649469968755_3554779053121418866_n.jpg?oh=e8c33583f5c663dc6f9ff89f3b6568f2&oe=54E40696&__gda__=1424996736_3827679ca4d131c64f77901cef0fc6fd)
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/10556255_10152659444468755_2277676234723422144_n.jpg?oh=2a93877ffc1c1b671dc98900195652cd&oe=54EF3E0B&__gda__=1425419870_aa5c13efbe4953c57c97a3da97f10049)
(this is my friend, not me. The previous pic is me though)
(https://scontent-a-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10482836_10152594271988755_3019980021650087890_n.jpg?oh=dce8e6420c4a1facf15ad108efdb3f7d&oe=54AA2501)
(http://i765.photobucket.com/albums/xx295/3d_cutout/New%20Zealand/SAM_0761_resize.jpg) (http://s765.photobucket.com/user/3d_cutout/media/New%20Zealand/SAM_0761_resize.jpg.html)
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That looks fun. What is the location of the first two?
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The fjords in Norway, the last one is in NZ somewhere at the top of the South Island.
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The fjords in Norway, the last one is in NZ somewhere at the top of the South Island.
MOAR PLZ! :)
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Yeah nice.
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Today I climbed my first mountain of the year. Well, the first two, actually. Cruach Ardrain and Beinn Tulaichean were the order of the day. And what a day it was. It was a REALLY hard walk. Up and down, up again, down again. All day. The weather went from raining, to heavy snow, to blazing sunshine, some fog, wind, t-shirt warm and down jacket cold. Typical Scottish weather then.
[/size][/color][/font]
[/color][/size]We stopped for something to eat behind a large crag. My mate said to me "have a look at this", and I stood up to see. Unfortunatly the wind took my bag, which was sitting beside me, and fired it down the mountain. Like a scene from Fawlty Towers, my camera bag came flying out the rucksack. Then the camera came flying out the camera bag. And they all took a tumble about 500 vertical feet down the mountain. We could do nothing but wait to see when, and if, they would stop. They did, after traversing snow, rock, moss and more.[/color][/size][/color][/size]My mate felt guilty as it was him that said - look over here. He insisted on retrieving it. Who am I to say no? I did get a picture of him about 30ft from the camera bag. Its the first image.[/color][/size][/color][/size]On the way back we took right fork instead of the left. Basically because it was heavy snow on the way up and we never even seen the fork. That resulted in a questionable scramble and climb down some serious faces. There was one point we had to jump from moss on to a little pointed rock. It was only 5ft down, but getting it wrong meant a broken bone at best. I was a bit apprehensive, but did it anyway. The thought of climbing back up those faces did not appeal. [/color][/size][/color][/size]It took us about 8 hours and I recon we covered 18-20km at least. [/color][/size][/color][/size]My right knee is gubbed, my legs are tired and I'm just about falling asleep. All in all it was a great day.[/color]
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A couple more
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I finally got myself up Ben Lui. It's one I have wanted to climb for years. She's a beauty. I also did Beinn a'Chleibh whilst I was there. We had to climb a waterfall at about 1900ft. The waterfall was only about 12ft though. That was another wee achievement.
I have two weeks holiday coming soon, so I hope to drag myself up a few Munro's then too. Fingers crossed the weather will be decent.
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No mountains round here but I did climb this chimney, OK there's stairs in it but it's still a hell of a way up and a long way down?
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So what do you guys do about getting to the start of your walk? I'm trying to find a place in Cumbria, but won't be able to afford a house slap bang in the Lake District, so hopefully can get on a good bus route in somewhere. I wouldn't mind parking the car somewhere for a day walk, but what when you do longer and camp out overnight? I guess it's probably a bit emptier/safer up in the Highlands for leaving your car?
Pick a place on the opposite side like around Wast Water, like Eskdale, you will have Scafell, Pillar great Gable, Hard Knot and Hard Knot pass on your door step, it also has some of the hardest rock climbing routes in the UK. :D
Only down side is Sellafield is also on your doorstep. :'(
I always believed there is far more natural beauty on the Wast Water side of the lake district. :)
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Chaz, the thing is mate, my legs would be jelly climbing that tower. I suffer from vertigo in certain conditions. Ladders and see through stairs are my worst. Climbing a waterfall at 1900ft elevation, no problem. But a three story scaffolding. No chance. It's weird. I know it. But good on you brother. That takes balls.
By the way, why were you up there?
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Best route on Snowdon is without doubt Grib Goch, but not really for the faint hearted. :)
Wandered up that way one summer many years ago when the kids were 7 and 12, returned a few years later with one of my climbing friends for a winter accent of the same route, what a buzz. :)